Last year (around June, I think) I considered buying a serger, and had settled on a 1034D based on my budget and the reviews here. But I'm not big on buying things online, so put it off when I discovered local Walmarts (3 near me) didn't have it in stock.

Just noticed the price has gone up ~$20 on both Amazon and Walmart. (It's now $209 - and $229 on JoAnn.com.)

So - convince me that I need to order it this week. I do have the money - and need to start in a birthday gifts (niece in March, nephew in April, mom and sister in May).

And while I'm on Amazon, should I purchase any thread? Or serger book(s)? Successful Serging? Complete Serger Handbook? Sewing with Sergers? Serge with Confidence? I don't want to buy more than 2 books to start.

Back to thread, should I stock up and basic black and white? Or should it be more like I am w/ regular sewing machine thread - get colors to match when buying the fabric? Do I only need one "cone" (or spool or whatever) to be the matching thread and the rest either black or white?

Some people are savvy enough to follow a manual and confident enough to not need the help of a dealer to learn to efficiently use a serger.

I bought my first serger (Funlock) many years ago when it was all my local Bernina dealer stocked.

I already had been sewing for eons and as was able to "master" this contrary machine. The dealer's associate showed me how to thread, then removed the thread so I could thread the little bugger. Every time it acted up, I would threaten to trade it in. I finally killed it (took about 10 yrs) and traded it in for the BL Imagine.

Bottom line, go for it!

I bought Serging With Confidence a few years ago and found it helpful.

I stock neutral colors of serger thread and when I want to match the fabric, I wind few bobbins of sewing thread and use them in place of the serger cones. However, for larger protects, I use spools of sewing thread to thread the loopers as they use more thread than the needles.

When you get your serger, test all the features as described in the manual.

Mufffet - I've read the first few pages and the last few. (Saw the bit about oiling it right away.) Wasn't sure how much of the middle would be helpful if I didn't yet own one! LOL Maxi Lock, got it. Can/should I get it at JoAnn's? Not sure if Walmart or Hobby Loby (closer for me) carry it.

Maryika - interesting observation. I think I may be buying quite a bit of thread soon, lol.

PattiAnn - nope, never owned one. Only used the one at the college. And that was in the late 80s, lol. Regular spools/bobbins can be used w/ the serger? Good to know. Yes, I foresee lots of practicing on scraps! But in general, I'm good with following the directions (the manual). I'm mostly interested in the books to give me some ideas of ways to practice beyond just scraps (as well as tips/settings not mentioned in the manual).

Keep watching Walmart. I noticed when I was going to purchase my machine, there are certain days when sewing machines are cheaper. Also, sign up for ebates, and then you can get back extra for your purchase. Sometimes ebates will offer double percentage back. When I got my machine, went thru ebates and got back 6% of purchase price. Every little bit helps.

Buying that Brother serger was one of the best things I ever bought (I know that is probably an exageration). I love it. I use Maxi-Lock thread that I get from Hancock's when it is on sale. I have several colors but my favorite is a slate-not black not gray. I have found that it goes with most dark colors. I have white for my lighter colors. I have black and an off white but I seldom use them. It was a big purchase for me too but I haven't regretted it. I bought it from Amazon but I think Walmart offers a similar warranty. I didn't buy a serger book. I did review the whole thread on here about the 1034D and watched some youtube threading videos. I will always have a serger and if this one died tomorrow I would probably buy the same one because I am on a tight budget too. Too bad it has gone up a little-they have gone up before and then come back down. HTH

I bought mine more than two years ago through Allbrands.com and I LOVE it. It was "factory serviced" (basically the same as refurbished) which only means someone likely purchased it and returned it. It's guaranteed to have been restored to its original condition (it's explained on the website exactly what it means. It is in no way inferior to brand new).

Anyway, you can get it at Allbrands.com for $169.99, an excellent price.

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